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Notable events involving Tradewind include:

The history of HMS Tradewind as compiled on this page is extracted from the patrol reports and logbooks of this submarine. Corrections and details regarding information from the enemy's side (for instance the composition of convoys attacked) is kindly provided by Mr. Platon Alexiades, a naval researcher from Canada.

This page was last updated in December 2018.

26 Sep 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (1)

27 Sep 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (1)

28 Sep 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (1)

29 Sep 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted trials off Sheerness. (1)

30 Sep 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Sheerness for Portsmouth. She was escorted by HMS Selkirk (T/Lt. R.C. Goff, RNR). (1)

1 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (2)

2 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Portsmouth. (2)

3 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Portsmouth to Dartmouth. She was escorted by the French submarine chaser Chasseur 12. (2)

4 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Dartmouth for Holy Loch. She was escorted by the French submarine chaser Chasseur 12 until 1725/4 when HMS Conqueror (T/Lt. T.W. Craig, RNR) took over the escort. Also HMS Clyde (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Brookes, DSC and Bar, RN) joined for the passage north. (2)

6 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch to begin a period of trials and training. (2)

8 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. This trial had to be abandoned after a little over two hours due to a piston seizure in the starboard engine. Tradewind then returned to Holy Loch for repairs. (2)

16 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

17 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (2)

18 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted full power trials on the Arran measured mile. (2)

21 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Arrochar for her torpedo discharge trials. (2)

24 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

26 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

29 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

30 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. (2)

31 Oct 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted torpedo discharge trials off Arrochar. Upon completion of these exercises HMS Tradewind returned to Holy Loch. (2)

1 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (3)

2 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted log and mine detection trials in the Clyde area. (3)

3 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted radar exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (3)

4 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with HMS Kihna (A/Cdr.(Retd.) A.R.W. Sayle, RD, RNR). (3)

6 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. These exercises included night exercises. (3)

7 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises. (3)

18 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (3)

19 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Sea Rover (Lt. J.P. Angell, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area during which they served as targets for each other. (3)

20 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. These exercises included night exercises. (3)

21 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loch upon completion of her exercises. (3)

23 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Lamlash. (3)

24 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Lamlash to Larne. (3)

25 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Ettrick (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) and HMCS Galt (T/Lt. A.M. Kirkpatrick, RCNVR). (3)

26 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group C 1. (3)

27 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (3)

28 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Godetia (T/Lt. M.A.F. Larose, RNR). (3)

29 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Buttercup (T/Lt. R.J. Jonckheere, RNR). (3)

30 Nov 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with HMS Havelock (Cdr. R.C. Boyle, DSC, RN and HMS Vimy (Lt.Cdr. J.N.K. Knight, RN). (3)

1 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with Escort Group B 5. (4)

4 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted A/S exercises off Larne with aircraft. (4)

5 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Larne to Holy Loch. (4)

7 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. (4)

10 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which the brand new merchant vessel Empire Maccoll (9133 GRT, built 1943) served as the target. (4)

11 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted attack exercises in the Clyde area during which HMS White Bear (Cdr.(Retd.) A.L. Sanders, RN) served as the target. (4)

13 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area with aircraft from HMS Unicorn (Capt. H.L.St.J. Fancourt, DSO, RN). Upon completion of these exercises HMS Tradewind proceeded to Rosneath for wiping. (4)

14 Dec 1943
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) returned to Holy Loc after wiping at Rosneath. (4)

3 Jan 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (5)

4 Jan 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (5)

6 Jan 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) shifted from Holy Loch to Ardrossan where a new battery was to be fitted. (5)

24 Jan 1944
With a new battery fitted, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), returned to Holy Loch from Ardrossan. (5)

25 Jan 1944
HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) conducts attack exercises with HMS Tribune (Lt.Cdr. W.N. Eade, RNR) and later with HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN). (6)

26 Jan 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises in the Clyde area. (5)

28 Jan 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials in Loch Goil. (5)

29 Jan 1944
HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN), HMS Trusty (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) J.R.G. Harvey, RN) and HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Holy Loch for Lerwick. They are escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (7)

31 Jan 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Lerwick. (5)

1 Feb 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed Lerwick for her 1st war patrol. She was to patrol off northern Norway.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

19 Feb 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 1st war patrol at Lerwick. She departed from for Holy Loch later this day.

Passage south was made together with HMS Taku (Lt. A.J.W. Pitt, RN). They are escorted by the armed yacht HMS Cutty Sark (Cdr.(Retd.) R.H. Mack, RN). (9)

21 Feb 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Holy Loch. (9)

1 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Holy Loch in AFD 7. (10)

4 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (10)

12 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Holy Loch bound for the far east. The first leg of the trip is to Gibraltar. While she is en-route she was ordered to make a short patrol off the Portuguese coast.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this passage see the map below.

(10)

24 Mar 1944
Around 1400 hours (zone -1), HMS Vampire (Lt. C.W. Taylor, RNR), HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Sirdar (Lt. J.A. Spender, RN), made rendez-vous with their escort towards Gibraltar, HMS Evadne (T/Lt. H.N. Taylor, RNR). (11)

27 Mar 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Gibraltar. (10)

6 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Gibraltar bound for Malta. She joins convoy KMS 46 (12)

11 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Malta. (12)

12 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Malta bound for Port Said. (12)

16 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Port Said. (12)

28 Apr 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Port Said bound for Aden. She transits the Suez Canal on this day. (12)

5 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Aden. (13)

7 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Aden bound for Trincomalee. (13)

21 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) arrived at Trincomalee. (13)

30 May 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials and exercises off Trincomalee. (13)

3 Jun 1944
During 3/4 June 1944, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted A/S exercises off Trincomalee with the Indian sloop HMIS Cauvery (A/Cdr. F.F.W. Harvey, RIN) and the British frigates HMS Lossie (Lt.Cdr. A.F. MacFie, OBE, RNR), HMS Findhorn (Lt.Cdr. J.C. Dawson, RD, RNR) and HMS Nadder (T/A/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Kitto, RNR). (14)

6 Jun 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Trincomalee. (14)

8 Jun 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 2nd war patrol (1st in the far east). She is to perform a special operation and to reconnoitre the West coast of Sumatra and the islands off it.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

19 Jun 1944
While on patrol in the Sunda Strait HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) picks up one Chinese and two Javanese from a prau. They are taken on board to bring them with the submarine back to Trincomalee for interrogation (nu further details know at this moment). (8)

27 Jun 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) bombards oil storage tanks near Sibolga, Sumatra.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1415 hours - Surfaced for gun action in position 01°42.5'S, 98°45'E. 13 rounds were against the target before fire was opened from shore batteries forcing Trandewind to dive at 1421 hours. Several bursts were seen in the target area but no damage was seen. (8)

3 Jul 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 2nd war patrol (1st in the far east) at Trincomalee. (8)

22 Jul 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the far east). She is to patrol in the Malacca Straits.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

7 Aug 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is depth charged by patrol vessels in the Malacca Straits in position 04°00'N, 100°25.5'E. No damage is done. (8)

16 Aug 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 3rd war patrol (2nd in the far east) at Trincomalee. (8)

30 Aug 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (15)

3 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) left dock at Trincomalee. (16)

5 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) conducted noise trials off Trincomalee. (16)

6 Sep 1944
During 6/7 September 1944, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (16)

8 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 4th war patrol (3rd in the far east). She is to perform two special operations (no details know as of yet) and to patrol along the West and South coast of Sumatra.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

15 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) captures the crew of a sampan for interrogation purposes. It was also intended to capture the sampan to use it in a special operation.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1407 hours - Sighted a sampan to seaward, bearing 210°. Closed submerged to capture it.

Surfaced in position 01°18'S, 100°20'E and boarded the sampan, which had five natives and a monkey (trained to climb palm trees and gather coconuts) in it. All were made prisoners (the monkey rather unwillingly according to Tradewind's patrol report). The sampan was loaded with coconuts and coconut seedlings. Unfortunately it was too big to dismantle and take it below so it was rammed and sunk. (8)

16 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) sank two small Japanese vessels South of Padang, Sumatra near position 02°20'S, 100°50.5'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1346 hours - Sighted a large sailing prau with two masts, altered course to close.

1403 hours - Surfaced and boarded this craft, which was the Bintang Pasisir (in English: Star of the shore) of 19.32 tons, registered at Mandiangin. She was at anchor with her sails set and appeared to be loaded with nutmegs and cinnamon bark. Her papers were taken, but, in view of the nature of her cargo, she was left unharmed.

1428 hours - Cast off from this craft and dived. Set course to 130° to close and investigate another similar vessel further down the coast.

1510 hours - Surfaced to board this other prau that was under sail on a Northerly course. She was the Sinar Boelan (in English: Shining Moon) of 23.9 tons, registered at Padang, loaded, among other general cargo, with 400 sacks of cement for the Japanese at Benkulen. Papers, rice and one prisoner, who was keen to come, were taken. The remaining seven were sent ashore in their canoe. Two demolition charges were placed and the submarine cast off.

1547 hours - The Sinar Boelan blew up and sank.

1552 hours - Dived. Examination of the papers of the Bintang Pasisir meanwhile showed that this vessel carried 300 sacks of cement, eight 'pieces of iron' and ten barrels of nails for the Japanese so course was altered to close her again.

1642 hours - Surfaced and closed on the surface.

1726 hours - Secured alongside the Bintang Pasisir, the crew of seven had already prepared to abandon ship and were sent ashore with their belongings. Sprinkled some of the cargo with shale oil and set it on fire with two recognition flares to add colour to the conflagration.

1743 hours - Cast off and riddled the hull with Oerlikon fire. Around half an hour later she sank. (8)

18 Sep 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese army cargo ship Junyo Maru (5065 GRT, built 1913) about 18 nautical miles south of Mukomuko, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies in position 02°52'S, 101°12'E. Unbeknown to the Commanding Officer of the submarine, the Japanese ship was carrying 4200 Javanese slave labourers and 2300 Allied prisoners from Batavia to Padang. 5620 lives were lost in the sinking.

If you want to know more about this sinking follow this offsite link: The sinking of the Junyo Maru

(All times are zone -6.5)
1516 hours - The Officer of the Watch sighted a small plume of smoke through the low power periscope (the high power periscope was defective). This smoke was sighted at a range of over 13500 yards. This was an excellent sighting. The smoke was first sighted baring 173°. Course was altered to attack.

The target was later seen to be an old fashioned merchant vessel, 4000 to 5000 tons, of the three island type, two masts, single tall thin funnel and counter-stern. She was about two-thirds loaded. She was escorted by two motor launches, one on her Starboard beam the other on her Port quarter.

1551 hours - In position 02°52'N, 101°12'E fired four torpedoes. The targets speed was estimated at 8 knots. Upon firing Tradewind went deep. 1min30sec and 1min45sec after firing explosions were heard. After these explosions the HE of the target ceased. Three depth charges were dropped by the escort but these did no damage.

1613 hours - Heard loud crackling noises, must have been the target breaking up. (8)

4 Oct 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 4th war patrol (3rd in the far east) at Trincomalee. (8)

19 Oct 1944
During 19/20 October 1944, HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN), conducted exercises off Trincomalee. These included night exercises. (17)

22 Oct 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 5th war patrol (4th in the far east). She is to patrol in the Northern entrance of the Malacca Strait and in the Andaman Sea. She is also to lay a minefield.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

30 Oct 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) lays mines of the Mergui Archipelago, Burma.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0128 hours - Proceeding on both main engines to approach the selected position for mine laying.

0225 hours - Now proceeding on only the Starboard engine at 320 revs. Speed 7.2 knots. Closed up for mine laying stations, with 4" and Oerlikon guns manned.

0313 hours - Arrived in position 12°12'N, 98°17.5'E.

0315 hours - Commenced laying the first four mines in position 12°12.00'N, 98°21.13'E. Direction of the mines was 345°. Spacing 600 feet in 7 fathoms of water.

0318 hours - Completed laying first four mines. Reloaded.

0337 hours - Tubes reported ready.

0341 hours - Proceeded on Starboard engine, 320 revs.

0342 hours - In position 12°15.20'N, 98°20.30'E. Commenced laying second line of four mines. Direction 260°. Spacing 600 feet in 6 to 6.5 fathoms of water.

0345 hours - Completed laying second line. Stopped and reloaded.

0410 hours - Tubes re-loaded. Proceeded on Starboard engine, 320 revs.

0419 hours - Laid the third line in position 12°14.10'N., 98°20.10'E. Direction 120°. Spacing 600 feet in 6 to 6.5 fathoms of water.

0422 hours - Completed mine laying. Retired to the South-West. (8)

8 Nov 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) sank four Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Burma near position 14°04'N, 98°00'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
1648 hours - Sighted a junk close inshore off Pagoda Point and four more to the South. No aircraft had been seen since the forenoon. Closed submerged.

1658 hours - Surfaced in position 14°07.5'N, 97°59'E.

1711 hours - Fired warning shot, then opened fire on a 15 ton two-masted sailing junk.

1716 hours - The target sank. Set course to go after the other junks.

1749 hours - Engaged a 20 tons two-masted sailing junk. Left this one heavily damaged.

1755 hours - Altered course to 150° to close another junk. Fire was opened and she was hit once. It appeared she was grounded.

1803 hours - Altered course to 330°.

1808 hours - Engaged and sank a 25 tons junk.

1812 hours - Altered course to 280° and engaged the damaged junk (the one first engaged at 1749 hours). She was left in a sinking condition.

1816 hours - Ceased fire after expending a total of 61 rounds of 4".

1826 hours - Telemachus was now in position 14°00'N, 98°01.5'E. Withdrew to seaward. (8)

10 Nov 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) sank two Japanese sailing vessels with gunfire off the west coast of Burma near position 13°12'N, 98°18'E.

(All times are zone -6.5)
0733 hours - In position 13°15.5'N, 98°18'E sighted two large schooner rigged vessels approaching from the South. Altered course to close.

0802 hours - Surfaced for gun action and closed two schooners off the Northern end of Tavoy Island. Both turned and tried to run for Port Owen.

0805 hours - Sank the first target of about 30 tons in position 13°13.5'N, 98°18'E after 8 rounds of 4". Closed the other target.

0828 hours - The second schooner of about 40 tons was sunk in position 13°11'N, 98°18.5'E after 10 rounds of 4". The survivors made off in their canoe. Tradewind now returned to the first schooner to pick up survivors as these had no canoe.

0834 hours - Returned to the site of the first schooner. The crew of four was in the eater clinging to wreckage, they were picked up. One was wounded in the shoulder by a large shell splinter. He was later successfully operated. (8)

15 Nov 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 5th war patrol (4th in the far east) at Trincomalee. (8)

29 Nov 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is docked at Trincomalee in AFD 26. (18)

3 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) is undocked. (19)

5 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) departed from Trincomalee for her 6th war patrol (5th in the far east). She is to perform a special operation (no details know as of yet) and to patrol off the West of Sumatra. Afterwards she is to proceed to Fremantle, Australia.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

11 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) performs a special mission (no details known yet). (8)

24 Dec 1944
HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) ended her 6th war patrol (5th in the far east) at Fremantle, Australia. On this patrol very heavy weather was encountered. (8)

1 Jan 1945
The Japanese merchant cargo vessel Kyokko Maru (593 GRT, built 1909) sank off the Mergui Archipelago, Burma in position 12°26'N, 98°39'E after hitting a mine laid by the British submarine HMS Tradewind (Lt.Cdr. S.L.C. Maydon, DSO and Bar, RN) on 30 October 1944.

8 Jan 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Fremantle. (20)

9 Jan 1945
During 9/10 January 1945, HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle. These included night exercises. (20)

11 Jan 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is docked at Fremantle. (20)

12 Jan 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is undocked.

Later this day she departed from Fremantle for her 7th war patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South China Sea.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(20)

16 Jan 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) topped off with fuel at Exmouth Gulf. (8)

6 Feb 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) attacks a convoy of four coasters and three escorts off the Malayan East coast. Three torpedoes were fired but no hits were obtained.

(All times are zone -8)
0814 hours - In position 04°42'N, 103°31'E sighted a convoy bearing 300° emerging from a rain squall, range was about four nautical miles. The convoy consisted of four coasters and three escorts. Started attack. The coasters were not more than 1000 tons and proceeded in line ahead very close inshore, speed was about 6 knots. The escorts were all to the seaward of the coasters.

0854 hours - Fired three torpedoes at the second coaster from 2700 yards. No hits were obtained. Tradewind went to 50 feet after firing.

0912 hours - Returned to periscope depth. Saw the convoy continuing on its way. One of the escorts, a minesweeper, had dropped back and an aircraft was sighted flying low over the convoy. Went deep again.

0931 hours - Came to periscope depth again. Saw the minesweeper heading in Tradewind's direction. Went to 60 feet.

0945 hours - The minesweeper was now in contact with Tradewind. Two minutes later 12 depth charges were dropped, these were very close. Minor damage was caused. Tradewind was bottomed.

1532 hours - After waiting a long time, the pumps were put on and Tradewind broke free of the bottom and returned to periscope depth. Nothing was in sight. (8)

10 Feb 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is depth charged during an attack on a Japanese convoy off the East coast of Malaya in position 04°25.5'N, 103°33.5'E.

(All times are zone -8)
1340 hours - In position 04°25.5'N, 103°33.5'E sighted masts bearing 193°, range about 9 nautical miles. These soon proved to be a Northbound convoy consisting of a medium seized tanker and a medium seized modern looking freighter with three escorts. One escort was ahead and two on the seaward beam. Started attack. Early in the attack an aircraft was sighted.

1419 hours - During the attack the leading escort, that looked like a Hashidate-class gunboat, came very close. One of the wing escorts, that looked a bit like a Flower-class corvette also came closer.

1423 hours - The leading escort was now in contact with Tradewind and came straight towards. Lt. Nash broke off the attack and turned hard to Port and went to 45 feet (deeper was not possible). During the turn it was noted that the other escort that was close was also in contact.

1436 hours - Now both escorts were on either quarter and not longer in contact. Now a cat and mouse game followed.

1515 hours - A pattern of 14 depth charges was dropped but this was not very close. A few lights were broken by the first few depth charges. The enemy was no longer in contact after this attack.

1731 hours - Came to periscope depth, nothing in sight. (8)

26 Feb 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) ended her 7th war patrol at Fremantle. (8)

9 Mar 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is docked at Fremantle in USS ARD 10. (21)

10 Mar 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is undocked. (21)

18 Mar 1945
During 18/19 March 1945, HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN), conducted exercises off Fremantle, these included night exercises. (21)

22 Mar 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle for her 8th war patrol. She is to patrol in the Gulf of Siam.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this patrol see the map below.

(8)

26 Mar 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) topped off with fuel at Onslow, Australia. (8)

20 Apr 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) sank a lugger and two tonkangs with gunfire in the Gulf of Siam in position 10°58'N, 99°40'E.

(All times are zone -9)
0653 hours - Sighted two junks bearing 140°. 0726 hours - Dived in position 11°00'N. 99°41'E and closed the junks. They were soon seen to be two tonkangs of above average size, they were Northbound.

0810 hours - Sighted a small motor lugger towing a lighter bearing 230°. Decided to surface, sink the tonkangs and the lugger and to take some prisoners.

0818 hours - When all three vessels were close together bearing 270°, 600 yards surfaced in position 10°58'N, 99°40'E and opened fire on the lugger. After firing three rounds, for two hits, fire was shifted to the tonkangs. After two rounds against the tonkangs the lugger was seen to have slipped its tow and making off. Fire was now reopened on the lugger. After three rounds it was seen to be totally disabled. Now six more rounds were fired at the tonkangs. Both were severely damaged and were left in a sinking condition. (8)

28 Apr 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) torpedoed and sank the Japanese merchant tanker Takasago Maru (1116 GRT, built 1941) in the Gulf of Siam in position 06°48'N, 101°36'E.

(All times are zone -9)
1105 hours - In position 06°53'N, 101°44'E sighted an aircraft right ahead approaching. It than turned south and disappeared in that direction. Maybe some 'game' was nearby in that direction.

1352 hours - In position 06°49'N, 101°40'E sighted smoke bearing 150°. A few minutes later a seaplane was sighted in that direction about 12 nautical miles away. Started to close.

1603 hours - Finally masts and funnels were seen bearing 171°. Ran in to attack. The convoy was seen to be two a small tankers escorted by two or three small escorts. They were hugging the shore very close on a course of 325° at a speed of 8.5 knots.

1643 hours - Fired four torpedoes at the leading tanker from about 3500 yards. It was not possible to get any closer.

1646 hours - Heard one explosion exactly 3 minutes after firing the last torpedo, giving it a running range of 4000 yards. As Tradewind was taking evasive action but it was thought possible that one hit was obtained.

1657 hours - For the next two minutes seven depth charges were dropped by one of the escorts but these were not close. For the next 40 minutes this escort hunted Tradewind. Several single depth charges were dropped but these did no damage.

1740 hours - A second escort vessel joined the hunt but both were never in contact.

1855 hours - Came to periscope depth to find nothing in sight. (8)

3 May 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) attacks a Japanese coaster with four torpedoes in position 05°16'S, 106°10'E. All torpedoes missed their target.

(All times are zone -9)
1548 hours - In position 05°13'S, 106°18'E sighted smoke and a seaplane bearing 168°. At first it was thought that this vessel would pass Tradewind to the East. Tradewind turned to close. It became however soon apparent that the target was going to pass to the West. Turned to course 250° at full speed.

1604 hours - Sighted more smoke and mast tops bearing 187°. Continued to close.

1619 hours - The after hydroplanes temporarily stuck resulting in Tradewind plugging into the mud at 78 feet. After getting loose Tradewind continued to close. The target was identified as a 7000 tons tanker on a course of 320°.

The target passed ahead at a range of 10000 yards and was seen to be escorted by a Chidori class torpedo boat. Two other vessels, coasters of about 700 tons were also in the area. Decided to attack the second coaster in order to close the range as much as possible.

1805 hours - In position 05°16'S, 106°10'E fired four torpedoes against the second of the two coasters that were in line ahead. Range was 1200 yards. It was intended to fire six torpedoes but the 5th torpedo misfired and the order to fire the 6th was not heard. All torpedoes fired missed their target. Following this attack two depth charges were dropped by the first coaster but these were not close. Tradewind manoeuvred to escape from the area. (8)

11 May 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) ended her 8th war patrol at Fremantle. (8)

22 May 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is put on the slipway at Fremantle. (22)

23 May 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) is put back in the water. (22)

5 Jun 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) departed from Fremantle bound for the U.K. where she is to refit. The first leg of the trip is to Aden.

For the daily positions of HMS Tradewind during this passage see the map below.

(23)

24 Jun 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) arrived at Aden. (23)

26 Jun 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) departed from Aden bound for Port Said. (23)

30 Jun 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) arrived at Suez. (23)

1 Jul 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) transits the Suez Canal and arrived at Port Said. (24)

4 Jul 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) departed Port Said for Gibraltar. (24)

11 Jul 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) makes a short call at Gibraltar before departing for Portsmouth. (24)

16 Jul 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) arrived at Portsmouth. (24)

4 Sep 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) departed from Portsmouth bound for Chatham Dockyard where she is to refit. (25)

6 Sep 1945
HMS Tradewind (Lt. J. Nash, DSC, RN) begins her refit at Chatham Dockyard. (25)

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